New Zealand rugby is facing serious questions after the country’s schools side conceded 136 points in two crushing defeats to Australia U18 in Canberra.
NZ Schools suffered an 81-48 hiding in the first match on Monday before going down 55-33 on Saturday – the first time in their 47-year history they’ve lost three straight internationals.
The double defeat, which follows a 38-31 loss to Australia U18 in Hamilton last year, has raised serious questions about New Zealand’s age-group systems and pathways.
The New Zealand Herald described the result as “unprecedented” and said it should “concentrate the minds of those well beyond head coach Paul Tito and his assistants”.
Australia U18, drawn largely from Super Rugby academies, ran in 18 tries across the two games, including six in the first 35 minutes of the second Test as they raced to a 36-0 lead.
By contrast, New Zealand’s players were selected solely from schools, with limited exposure to elite development competition.
The gulf in preparation was evident, with the Herald describing the opening half as “one of the best ever played by an Australian side”.
The results have reignited debate around NZ Rugby’s scrapped plan to replace the schools team with a national U18 programme. That proposal was blocked by principals earlier this year, but these heavy defeats may strengthen calls for reform.
Australia’s U18 success also hints at a potential shift in trans-Tasman power, as their structured academy system begins to bear fruit.
Photo: NZ Rugby
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